EQUESTRIAN: The Royal Artillery at Larkhill

All of the fences have been moved to fresh ground after the testing ground seen at the last meeting.

Both of the Open races look competitive events and the supporting races look full of potential up-and-coming equine stars of the future, so an exciting day’s racing is assured for racegoers.

The meeting begins with the Hunt Members race which ought to be a formality for Impact Area, winner of this race in 2015, who was successful at the last meeting when winning the Mens Open.

He only has one potential rival, the maiden Delineate, and should be able to record another victory at his local course.

The Maiden has attracted an entry of 31, so there is the possibility that the race will be divided on the day.

Of those that have run, Pauls Conn was a good third at the last meeting, Thereyarsee who has run well at both of the previous meetings at the course and Mr Cardle, who was third at the first meeting, all come into the reckoning.

Of the newcomers, Bill And Barn from the Jack Barber stable and Pinnacle Peter, owned by Tom Lacey, are ones to note for the future, but the selection is Sugar Loaf Sholto, also owned by Tom Lacey, who was a very promising second on his debut at Larkhill and should be good enough to go one better.

The Ladies race entries are headed by Alskamatic, a game winner at the last meeting and he has every chance of following up.

Of his rivals, Subtle Sovereign will improve on his last run, Grand Gold won an Irish Ladies point to point at Dromhane last year and the Stuart Penny trio of Latest Trend, Quedillac and Safferano all come into consideration.

The most interesting entry is the evergreen Carruthers, winner of the Hennessey in 2011.

Now aged 13 and starting a new career in point to points, he is due to be ridden by Lily Bradstock, the daughter of Mark and Sarah Bradstock.

Claire Hart, who gets on so well with Alskamatic, should be able to record another course victory.

The Club Members Conditions race features Man Of Steel, winner of his last three races for trainer Alan Hill and he could be the answer to a tricky looking race.

His potential rivals include the ex-Colin Tizzard trained Bold Cuffs who won two races on the flat, Shakalakaboomboom , winner of four chases for Nicky Henderson, the ex-Willie Mullins trained The Bosses Cousin and the promising Peeping Thom, winner of the Restricted at the last Larkhill meeting.

Arthurian Legend the winner of six point to points might be a sporting each way bet if he can recover his best form.

The Mens Open sees the return of Ghizao, the impressive winner of the Mens Open at Barbury Castle in December.

He may be opposed by the Sheila Crow trained Connies Cross, who boasts good Hunter Chase form, the unbeaten Glint Of Gold, winner of his last nine races in the South East but only seen once last season, No Loose Change and Out Now both owned by David Maxwell, and Templebraden, who fell at the last fence when in with a chance in Impact Area’s race.

The latter is also entered in this race should he decide to bypass the Hunt race and may play a part.

This should be an excellent race if the leading entrants are declared, with Ghizao chosen to continue his winning streak under Will Biddick.

The meeting concludes with the Intermediate in which 19 are entered.

The promising Mr Simpkins owned by Robert Waley-Cohen looks the standout entry, but the David Maxwell owned Minerfortyniner, the Sally Alner trained Bonzo’s Copse, the previous mentioned Peeping Thom and Tackler, winner of a Maiden at Badbury Rings in 2014 but not seen since, should all be in contention.

Winter Soldier trained by Ces Mitford-Slade won a Maiden at Kilworthy and subsequently won a National Hunt flat race is an interesting contender and may the one to chase home Mr Simpkins.

Larkhill Racecourse is found just NW of Amesbury on Salisbury Plain, easily reached off the A303, A360 or A345 (SP4 8QT).

Admission: £10 per head, under 16s free. First race: 11.30am.